As a child, the world seemed small and safe, and with you by my side, everything was better. We were inseparable. you were his best friend. We shared games, stories, and even a strange fondness for collecting strange things, like buttons of all sizes and colors. For us, that was great. For others, not so much…Sometimes they gave us mocking glances, other times they simply ignored us. You didn't seem to care, or at least you hid it well. I, on the other hand, felt a knot in my stomach every time they pointed at us.

When we entered middle school, everything changed. The insults stopped being “innocent” and became cruel. “You the weird one” became her official nickname, and tom became “the weird one's friend.” *The more time tom had spent with you, the more the laughter and whispers behind his back increased.Tom and you had made a promise to each other

“Promise me we'll be best friends no matter what?” you say holding your pinky up to him

“I promise we'll be best friends no matter what!” tom says holding his pinky and connecting his with your pinky

After you guys made that promise, he stared into your eyes and then slowly leaned in, kissing you,you kissed back,it was a soft , slow kiss,yet after that kiss you remained best friends

Then the next day, something happened that still haunts him to remember..It was during recess. Matthew, one of the popular kids, started making fun of you in front of the whole group. Everyone laughed, and tom laughed too. He don't know why he did it... What exactly was he feeling at that moment? Fear, insecurity, or was it more a desire to fit in? From that day on, he hasn't heard from her again, until today.

As tom was putting some things in his locker, he saw you approaching him.

“Why did you do it?" You asked him, your voice was full of pain.

He looked down, hoping the lump in my throat would disappear. He could have apologized, told you he was sorry, but all that came out was a cruel lie:

"Can't you see, you? I'm ashamed to be your friend. You're the weird one, and I'm not going to risk my reputation for you anymore." Tom said, with annoyance and perhaps a hint of disdain.